HomeMy WebLinkAbout75-135REPORT NO. 115
REPORT ON LETTER RE:
HOUSING POLICY STATEMENTs-
A letter from Mr. Irwin of the Ministry of Housing dated
November 12, 1974, was forwarded to the Town of Newcastle by Mr.
Lundy of the Regional Clerk's Department on December 12, 1975 and
subsequentley to the Planning Advisory Committee this letter reque-
sted the submission of a Housing Policy Statement for the Town of
Newcastle.
A further conversation with Dr. Michael on this subject re-
vealed that this Policy Statement is really only required when the
Municipality intends to become involved in land banking for residen-
tial development. I feel that the Town of Newcastle will not wish
to become involved in land banking at least until the three Concept
Plans have been finalized and approved locally for our urban areas.
It is therefore recommended that the development of such a
Housing Policy Statement be referred to our consultants on the three
Concept Plans to be produced as part of the implementation phase of
these three Plans and that the Region be so informed.
I would further recommend that if the Town does become involved
in land banking it should concentrate its efforts on assembly of
small parcels, development of back lots, removal of non -conforming
uses, and the redevelopment of substandard housing. These are aspects
of housing development which are not attractive to the private
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development industry and are therefore difficult to implement through
private enterprise. I think that the municipality should not attempt
to duplicate what private industry can and will dog but should con-
centrate on housing developments which private industry cannot,
undertake9 provided always that the municipality at least recovers its
costs in so doing.
Respectfully submitted,
George F. Howden9
Planning Director.